The day after Trump’s inauguration, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded the guidance that had created immigration “safe zones,” which had protected churches, hospitals, and schools from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Now, undocumented students in K-12 and higher education are in a state of anxiety and fear for themselves and their family members.

There are approximately 408,000 undocumented students currently enrolled at public and private higher education institutions across the entire country, but especially in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and New Jersey. Even though undocumented immigrants contribute to federal, state, and local taxes ($96.7 billion in 2022), undocumented students are ineligible for federal student aid. Even on the state level, only 18 states across the country offer undocumented students access to in-state tuition rates and state financial aid. As a result, many undocumented students forego higher education or are forced to finance any higher education opportunities through private loans and by working simultaneously while studying. Despite these barriers, undocumented college students have persisted, going on to graduate and bettering their lives and the lives of their families and communities.

Now, undocumented students and students with undocumented family members (students from mixed-status families) are experiencing a heightened fear of deportation due to the rhetoric and policies of the Trump administration. The attacks to immigrant communities have been broad and targeted in fear mongering. From states beginning to rollback higher education aid access for undocumented students to others mounting legal challenges that could undermine Plyler v. Doe — the 1982 landmark Supreme Court case that has guaranteed the right to a public education to all students, regardless of immigration status — undocumented students are watching their rights dissolve before their eyes.

In addition, with reports of student groups organizing events to “call ICE” on their undocumented peers, and new trends of dressing up as ICE agents around college campuses, undocumented students are living in fear, taking a toll on their mental health. Is this really the higher education environment we want? Colleges where students live in fear, waiting to be plucked off campus at a moment’s notice?

The effects of campus raids of undocumented students are certain to reverberate across the entire student body and the overall campus racial climate. Undocumented students are classmates, lab partners, fellow club leaders, engaged discussion leaders, and more. The diversity of backgrounds and life perspectives present in higher education are what make it the rich learning experience that it is. By taking away that opportunity, we will never know how much America is losing in unrealized potential. The undocumented students who “stop out” of higher education could be the next scientist, author, or entrepreneur, but whose full potential is hindered by misguided policies. The loss of undocumented students from college campuses would not only be a loss for higher education, but for all of society and our country’s economic prosperity.

It’s crucial that colleges and universities step up to support all students and respond to incidents that disproportionately harm undocumented students.

Here are some recommendations for campus administrators and leaders:

• Have a campus policy and protocol in place: In times of uncertainty, there must be a plan in place for faculty and staff to follow. How will your campus police work with federal law enforcement? Is your legal counsel ready to authenticate and respond to subpoenas? Ensure that campus faculty and staff members know what to do when approached by law enforcement and that they know how you, institutional leaders, will support them.
• Clearly label private areas: While federal law enforcement efforts are allowed to enter public areas, they are not allowed to enter private areas, such as student dormitories, faculty offices, and classrooms without being let in.
• Distribute Know Your Rights (KYRs) materials: KYR materials can help everyone on campus feel safer and prepared when approached by a law enforcement officer. Commonly known as “red cards,” these materials include information on what to say/not say when approached by law enforcement officers and what your constitutionally protected rights are, even if you are not a U.S. citizen.
• Evaluate campus resource offerings: Looming threats of ICE raids and mass deportations undeniably affect the well-being of students on campus. Evaluate what resources you have to support your students, especially undocumented students and students from immigrant communities. Do you have enough mental health counselors on campus? Are they trained to be culturally responsive to students’ unique needs in relation to xenophobia? What legal resources do you have available to students or how can you connect them with legal support?
• Stand firm in your commitment to all students: Messaging matters. At a time when certain populations are being targeted, institutions must make clear their commitment to supporting all students on campus. Campus-wide messages outlining a clear commitment to supporting immigrant students, coupled with the implementation of policies and funding for resources, can be a meaningful way to make immigrant students feel supported and unafraid to seek help.